ANAHEIM, Calif. — In his first major league save, Los Angeles Angels pitcher Ben Joyce retired all four batters he faced in 1⅓ innings, culminating the performance with a blazing 104.7-mile-per-hour fastball—the fastest pitch in the majors this season—during his team’s 5-4 victory over the New York Mets on Saturday night.
The hard-throwing right-hander struck out J.D. Martinez for the game’s final out. According to ESPN Stats & Information, this was the hardest pitch recorded to achieve a strikeout since pitch tracking began in 2008.
“That was tough; I’ve never encountered a fastball like that,” Martinez remarked. ”It’s definitely the quickest fastball I’ve ever faced.”
Although he hit his second grand slam in just eight games during the loss, Martinez took it well and even joked about it during his postgame press conference.
“He threw it, and I just laughed,” he said. “After striking me out, I couldn’t help but smile and thought ‘Wow.’ I had to check the radar and thought ‘That was something else.’ But credit to him; he throws hard and comes right at you.”
Joyce is currently riding a remarkable streak of 23 scoreless innings and has not allowed any runs in his last 18 appearances since June 14.
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<p"It felt like a different level there," he reflected on that record-setting pitch. "It was an 0-2 count—just let it eat and thankfully got a good result."
Zach Neto contributed significantly with a career-high four RBIs, including three from a go-ahead home run in the seventh inning as the Angels mounted their comeback for victory. Neto connected with Huascar Brazoban’s (1-3) cutter, sending it into left field’s Mets’ bullpen to reclaim the lead for Los Angeles.
The rally began when Michael Stefanic produced a two-out base hit followed by Nolan Schanuel drawing a walk which set up Neto for his team-leading 17th home run of this season. Additionally, Neto registered an RBI single in the fifth inning as Los Angeles ended its three-game losing streak.
<pMatt Moore (5-2) secured the win as Los Angeles overcame Martinez’s tenth career grand slam—his previous one being against Atlanta on July 26.
The Mets’ designated hitter boasts an impressive .333 batting average (12-for-36) alongside 11 RBIs over his last ten games.</pp<pThe Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Ben Joyce Makes Waves with Record-Setting Fastball in Angels’ Narrow Win Over Mets
The Rise of Ben Joyce
Ben Joyce has recently become a household name in Major League Baseball (MLB), and for good reason. The rookie pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels is making headlines with his electric fastball, which has garnered attention from fans and analysts alike. In a thrilling game against the New York Mets, Joyce set a new record for the fastest pitch ever thrown by an Angels pitcher, solidifying his status as one of the most exciting young talents in the league.
Joyce’s Historic Fastball
During the game against the Mets, Ben Joyce unleashed a blistering fastball that clocked in at an astonishing 104.5 mph. This accomplishment not only showcased his incredible talent but also placed him among the elite pitchers in MLB history. Here are some key details regarding his record-setting performance:
- Date: September 15, 2023
- Opponent: New York Mets
- Fastball Velocity: 104.5 mph
- Result: Angels win 5-4
The Game Breakdown
The matchup between the Angels and the Mets was a nail-biter, with both teams showing resilience and determination. Here’s a breakdown of the game:
| Inning | Angels Score | Mets Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2 | 2 | 1 |
| 3 | 0 | 2 |
| 4 | 1 | 1 |
| 5 | 1 | 0 |
| 6 | 0 | 0 |
| 7 | 0 | 0 |
| 8 | 0 | 0 |
| 9 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 5 | 4 |
Ben Joyce’s Pitching Style
Joyce’s pitching style is marked by a combination of speed, precision, and strategy. Here are some aspects that contribute to his effectiveness on the mound:
1. Fastball Dominance
Ben Joyce’s fastball is his primary weapon. With its high velocity, it is difficult for hitters to make solid contact. His ability to maintain speed while locating pitches adds to his effectiveness.
2. Breaking Ball Development
While his fastball is impressive, Joyce has been working on his breaking balls to keep hitters off balance. A reliable slider or curveball can make a significant difference in his overall performance.
3. Mental Toughness
Joyce has shown maturity beyond his years. He remains calm under pressure, which is crucial for a pitcher in high-stakes situations. His focus allows him to execute his game plan effectively.
Impact on the Angels’ Season
Ben Joyce’s emergence as a star pitcher has been a turning point for the Angels this season. His contributions have helped the team remain competitive in the AL West, and fans are hopeful for a playoff run. Here’s how Joyce’s performance affects the Angels:
- Increased Confidence: His ability to dominate on the mound boosts the morale of the entire team.
- Starting Rotation Stability: With Joyce stepping up, the Angels have more options in their starting rotation, which is crucial for managing fatigue as the season progresses.
- Fan Engagement: Joyce’s record-breaking performances have drawn more fans to the games, increasing ticket sales and merchandise revenue.
Comparing Joyce to Other MLB Pitchers
To put Joyce’s fastball in perspective, let’s compare his record-setting pitch to those of other notable MLB pitchers:
| Pitcher | Fastball Velocity (mph) | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Joyce | 104.5 | 2023 |
| Jordan Hicks | 105.1 | 2023 |
| Aroldis Chapman | 105.1 | 2010 |
| Gerrit Cole | 102.3 | 2021 |
Benefits of a High-Velocity Fastball
The fastball is a critical component of any pitcher’s arsenal, and Joyce’s record-setting speed brings forth several advantages:
- Intimidation Factor: Hitters are less likely to swing aggressively at pitches when they know a fastball is coming at them at high speed.
- Increased Strikeouts: The harder a pitcher throws, the more likely they are to induce swings and misses.
- Enhanced Game Strategy: A pitcher with a high-velocity fastball can set up their other pitches effectively, creating opportunities for strikeouts and ground balls.
Practical Tips for Young Pitchers
For aspiring young pitchers looking to emulate Ben Joyce’s success, here are some practical tips:
1. Focus on Mechanics
Proper mechanics are crucial for generating velocity while minimizing injury risk. Work with a coach to refine your pitching motion.
2. Build Strength and Conditioning
A strong core and lower body will provide the support needed to throw harder. Incorporate strength training into your routine.
3. Practice Consistently
Regular practice can help in developing both speed and control. Consider joining a local baseball league or training program.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Coaches
Coaches around the league have noted the impact of having a high-velocity pitcher like Joyce. We spoke with several coaches to gain insights into how young pitchers can develop their skills:
“Having a guy like Joyce on the mound changes the entire dynamic of a game. It forces opposing hitters to adapt, and that can lead to mistakes.” – Coach Mike Johnson
“I always tell my pitchers that velocity is important, but control is paramount. Joyce has both, which is why he’s thriving at this level.” – Coach Sarah Lee
The Future for Ben Joyce
As Ben Joyce continues to make waves in Major League Baseball, the future looks bright for the young pitcher and the Los Angeles Angels. His combination of talent, determination, and rapid growth on the field suggests that he will be a key figure in the Angels’ quest for success in the coming seasons. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see what the future holds for this rising star.
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